Fibromyalgia -- Need help on how to handle severe pain

Frankly, I don't think I ever been a fan of what is called 'motivation' because I ask: So where or how do I find it?

And yet I strongly believe that nature has done a darn good job of packing us with parts that we ALL need to live a fulfilling (enjoyable) life -- even if we die young, or end up in a serious accident, and (and this may be hard) been in an abusive relationship. Did Sisyphus have an 'unfair' share of his misfortune, condemned to roll up a heavy rock only to walk down and do it again?
The French Algerian author of the book says he was "free" on his way down,to 'live' his life His Way.

Harsh?
But life as we know does come in more flavors than we can imagine. And I'll be first to admit I don't know how I'll handle it; I've not given every possible terrible situation a test. Life can happen unawares. But fables like that tell us a deeper universal truth: Humans are capable of living in most trying situations. Vikto Frankl was one, a four time survivor of holocaust camps.

My impetus (not motivation) to live generally sensible life springs from my universal qualities of play (that's why I was doing air soccer kicks in place of steps) curiosity (I am mostly occupied figuring out non-med solution to drug overdose crisis as its carnage is more than than car accidents and gun shots combined. Think about it we are killing ourselves in Increasing numbers because we take in to give us escape from our Existential pain ends up snuffing our lives)

Which brings me to next human (free) need: friends
Psychiatrist Singer in Cato Institute and our Surgeon General thinks this is what's killing us. Too bad this is ONE thing that's not in my control. Yet need so strong I and you cannot not contnue pursuing ways out. So I am I (a rationalist) am going to Baptist church dinner Saturday party to meet my friends.

So Rachel, this is how a deeper purpose spurs me to a healthier life as healthier I could be closer to my purpose. Note that it's Not personal. Patrick Hill of Washington Stae University at St louis has written a lot about it.

May you find an Enjoyable life with health.

Hi,
Xr is extended-release

I go to a pain clinic for 5-oxy-3.25 tylenol (Percoset). I take it at night. I do not know what this is, but it has plagued me for the past 8 years. I have autoimmune with fibro overlap. It is definitely affected by diet (stick to non-processed, low sugar, avoid inflammatory foods) and improved by movement during the day to strengthen and loosen tight tendons and muscles. I found that edema massage (toes to torso/fingers to shoulders) as on you tube, laying next to the wall with legs up against it for 20 minutes, basic cat/cow/child/cobra yoga, elevating legs and doing pumping (heel to toe) motions makes a difference. My D3 levels were low and so I take that and B vitamins. So: make sure you do move periodically throughout the day and stay hydrated; this is not something that you can improve with rest in bed.

Thanks for sharing what works for you. It is always so helpful.
I wish I could take the strong narcotics like percs and vicoden, those absolutely took my pain away but I got so terribly backed up and with chronic diverticulitis, I ended up with an 8 day stay in the hospital (one of four). That was with taking the super sweet (yuck) prescription for constipation.
We do need to find what works for us. I just wanted to mention the down side of the narcotics. For some reason, they put Tramadol into the same category though it is formulated to act as one. Sure there is a risk of overusing and thus addiction but only because it works. I knw that if I take more than prescribed, I'll run out. It just seems simple to me.

I'm shocked your RA doc would refer you to your family doctor for this since that's usually what Rheumatologists deal with. My Rheumatologist put me on a med called Topirimate (I think that's how it's spelled) and it has helped so much. I've even lost weight while on it!!! Always a plus, right? It's taken so much of the tingling and achiness away. You might suggest this med to your RA doc. I hope this will help you. It sure has helped me.. Good luck.

Shirley

I've called several rheumatologists in my state and they all only diagnose fibro and don't treat it. I am going to a pain clinic in two weeks hoping they can help me. I want to ask about low dose naltrexone, a newer treatment for chronic pain. It's supposed to have fewer side effects than the drugs now recommended for fibro and it doesn't have withdrawal issues. I tried acupuncture this week and it caused a flare up of my pain so I don't know if I should have another treatment.

Hi,
I'm sorry you are going through this pain, and I completely understand and empathize with anyone with Fibromyalgia.
I've been battling long covid syndrome since 12/2020, and my 2nd neurologist diagnosed me with Fibro in March 2023. I saw a rheumatologist in October 2022 who thought everything was "in my head" and basically pushed me out her door. The neurologist also had an EMG done and I also have Polyneuropathy.
The neurologist told me to contact my Primary care provider and get a referral to pain management clinic, & was told they don't "deal" with Fibromyalgia pain. Thankfully my Primary has experience with Fibromyalgia, in addition to the long covid syndrome and is managing my pain meds herself.
In the morning, I take 2 - 650mg acetaminophen tablets, if pain is still not tolerable in 2-3 hours, I have a prescription for Tramadol and take 1 50mg tablet if needed.
I have prescriptions for Lyrica 75mg & cyclobenzaprine that I take before bed if needed. I also take 1 -20mg duloxetine at lunch time. I have not had any reactions to duloxetine, but the Lyrica makes me very groggy.
I hope you are able to get some relief from the pain and can find a provider to help you.